If you've taken that all-important step of turning your thoughts into words on paper, congratulations! Most people don't even get that far.

But as soon as the ink dries, or the cursor stops blinking, it's time to think about ways to protect your work from the less honest members of society.

The first step for anyone looking to protect a written work is Legal Zoom. You can avoid all the hassle of looking for copyright forms, downloading and printing them, and then copying and sending your manuscript or screenplay off in the mail. Everything is done from their web site, on a secure server, so you don't have to worry about anyone stealing your ideas, your words, or your credit card number.

Speaking of identity theft, it is one of the fastest growing areas of crime these days, so there are probably not enough steps that each of us can take to make sure we're protected. Identity Guard helps in several crucial ways. Their Credit Protect offers a 3-in-1 credit report and credit score, as well as a credit monitoring service that makes sure no one is using your cards without your permission. Also, their Fraud Protection looks into any public records that might be affecting you without your knowledge, and uses a powerful tool called Internet Surveillance to keep an eye on all your registered credit cards. It's just too important not to give them a chance.

If everything goes well with your new book or screenplay, you'll be selling it soon. Here's hoping it happens for everyone. But if so, you're going to need some expert information about how to proceed contractually. Negotiating a Book Contract, by Mark L. Levine, is coming out in October of 2006, but you can order your copy today by clicking the link below. Levine has tons of experience in negotiating the best deal for authors, as he's worked in private practice and for publishing houses. This guy knows his stuff, and so will you after you read this.

If writing for television and motion pictures is more your thing, check out Television and Screenwriting: From Concept to Contract. What I love about this book is that it's part writing lesson (hey, everyone can use additional pointers sometimes), part advice column for people just entering the Hollywood "system," and part legal advice. Several sample contracts illustrate key points to watch out for, and important ways to make sure you get the very best protection for your work.

If you do this right, and make sure you're protected, the hardest thing in your life may be your decision about which vacation spot to hit.

Copyright 2006 GrammarGods.com

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